It wasn’t easy for the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals, but they found a way to win with timely shots over the Deubrook Area Dolphins on Tuesday, January 26th.
Much of the game was played within just a few points of each other as the two teams traded shot for shot. The Cardinals were able to get a one point lead by the end of the first quarter, 14-13. St Mary added to that lead, but by only two points, and led 35-32 at halftime.
The Cardinals seemed to be getting on a roll offensively in the first half of the third quarter. They went on an 11-3 run to lead 46-35 with 4:15 to play in the quarter. The Dolphins responded with an 11-5 run the rest of the quarter to cut the lead to 51-46. Deubrook climbed their way to a single-possession deficit at 57-54 with 3:00 to play. The lead was just four points for St Mary, 62-58, with 1:00 on the clock, and the Cardinals were able to make a couple of free throws and get a game-sealing steal and layup to win 66-58.
St Mary was 40% (19-47) from the field, 45% (9-20) from three-point area, and 68% (19-28) from the free-throw line. The Dolphins were 47% (24-51) from the field, just 19% (3-16) from three-point area, and 50% (7-14) from the free-throw line. Deubrook held the rebounding advantage at 31-22.
Connor Libis finished with 35 poitns, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists. John Pica had nine points and five rebounds. Sam Palmer also had nine points along with three rebounds and two blocks. Max Herber added seven points and five rebounds, while Ashaun Roach-Valandra had six points and four rebounds.
The Cardinals (10-3) will be in Garretson on Monday, February 1st.